Vasant Panchami Puja

Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring and dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning. This festival typically falls on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha, which usually occurs in January or February.

Choosing an Auspicious Time (Muhurta):

• Consult a priest or a Panchang (Hindu calendar) to determine the best time for the puja.

Preparation:

• Clean the house and set up a clean and sacred space for the puja.
• Decorate the puja area with yellow flowers, as yellow is the color associated with the festival.
• Gather necessary items: a picture or idol of Goddess Saraswati, yellow flowers, fruits, incense sticks, ghee lamps, turmeric, kumkum, rice, and books or musical instruments.

Kalash Sthapana (Installation of the Sacred Pot):

• Place a Kalash (a pot filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut) on the altar.

Invocation and Sankalpa (Intention):

• Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
• Perform a sankalpa (intention) by stating the purpose of the puja.

Ganesha Puja:

• Offer flowers, fruits, and other items to Lord Ganesha while chanting mantras to seek his blessings.

Main Puja:

• Place the idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati on the altar.
• Offer yellow flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
• Light incense sticks and ghee lamps.